Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Flovent vs. Asmanex HFA

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Flovent (fluticasone) and Asmanex (mometasone) are both inhaled corticosteroids used to manage asthma in people 4 years and older. Flovent is available in two forms: Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus, while Asmanex comes as Asmanex HFA and Asmanex Twisthaler. One key difference is that Flovent is typically used twice a day, whereas Asmanex can be used once or twice a day depending on the form and dosage. Flovent HFA has a lower-cost generic option, but Asmanex does not. Both medications require you to rinse your mouth after use to prevent fungal infections. Additionally, Asmanex Twisthaler and Flovent Diskus both contain lactose, so they can't be used if you're allergic to milk proteins. Both medications are not suitable for treating sudden asthma attacks and should be used regularly to control asthma symptoms.

  • Flovent (fluticasone)
    Asmanex (mometasone)
  • Flovent (fluticasone)
    Asmanex (mometasone)

  • Summary of Flovent vs. Asmanex HFA

    Summary for Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
    Prescription only

    Flovent (fluticasone) is an inhaled corticosteroid medication used in people 4 years and older with asthma. It helps keep lung inflammation low and the airways open. This inhaler is used twice per day. When used every day, Flovent (fluticasone) can lower the number and severity of asthma attacks. It's not a rescue inhaler, so it won't help an asthma attack that has already started.

    Summary for Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
    Prescription only

    Asmanex, also known by its generic name, mometasone furoate, is a steroid inhaler used for maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children. Asmanex HFA is approved for people ages 5 years and older, and is inhaled through the mouth twice daily. Asmanex Twisthaler is for people ages 4 years and older, and is inhaled once to twice daily. Some common side effects include headache, runny nose, and sore throat.

  • Indications of Flovent vs. Asmanex HFA

    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of asthma
    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of asthma

  • Pros and Cons of Flovent vs. Asmanex HFA

    Pros and Const for Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
    Pros
    •Works well to prevent and lower asthma symptoms
    •Has few side effects since the medication is directly inhaled into the lungs
    •Available as two different types of inhalers (HFA inhaler and Diskus inhaler)
    •Lower-cost generic available for Flovent HFA
    Cons
    •Need to use twice per day
    •Need to rinse your mouth after each use to prevent fungal infection in the mouth (thrush)
    •Can't use to treat active asthma attacks
    •Can't use Flovent Diskus if you're allergic to milk proteins since it contains lactose
    Pros and Const for Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
    Pros
    •Works well to prevent and lower asthma symptoms
    •Available as two different (HFA inhaler and Twisthaler)
    •Twisthaler typically used once per day (in most cases)
    •Works directly in the lungs, so it has fewer side effects compared to oral steroids
    Cons
    •Must use every day for it to work well
    •Can't use to treat active asthma attacks
    •Can take over 2 weeks before your symptoms improve
    •Can't use the Twisthaler if you're allergic to milk proteins since it contains lactose

  • Common Side Effects of Flovent vs. Asmanex HFA

    Common Side Effects for

    In general, common side effects for Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus are very similar:

    •Throat irritation
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold)
    •Sinus infection or swelling
    •Headache
    •Cough
    •Voice hoarseness or difficulty speaking
    Common Side Effects for

    Asmanex Twisthaler

    •Headache (up to 22%)
    •Allergy symptoms (e.g., sneezing, itchy nose, watery or itchy eyes; up to 15%)
    •Sore throat (up to 13%)
    •Sinus infection (up to 6%)
    •Muscle pain (up to 8%)
    •Oral thrush (up to 6%)

    Asmanex HFA Inhaler

    •Cold-like symptoms (up to 8%)
    •Headache (up to 5%)

  • Warnings of Flovent vs. Asmanex HFA

    Common Side Effects for
    •Fungal infection in the mouth
    •Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Altered stress hormone levels
    •Delayed growth in children
    •Eye and vision problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for use in asthma attack or for worsened breathing
    •Fungal infection in the mouth (thrush)
    •Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Changes in stress hormone levels
    •Delayed growth in children
    •Weakening bones
    •Eye and vision problems
    •Severe allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Flovent vs. Asmanex HFA

    Learn more about Flovent
    Learn more about Asmanex

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.